Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-10-25

She had no rival. he was hers-aJ least
for the time being, and she resolved to
make the most of her opportunity.
Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts to Guido herself.
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon.
ment to the moment. His spirits infected
hers. The music was ravishing. In
dream they seemed to float around the room.
Passing by one Of tho windows, he dexter
ously guided her toward 1t, and, arm In
arm, by tacit consent, they passed out, on
to tho balcony
Fountains played softly around them in
the moonlight The delicate, subtle per
fume of flowers was waited by, on the
balmy air. The music, softened by dis
lance, was breath Of poesy and tender.
ness, while the glorious moonlight glittered
and shimmered through the patterlng leaves
overhead.
This was her opportunity. But it was
his, too Her will was no longer predomi-
nant She was half in love with, and most
decidedly interested in, this original, strange
fellow She could not deciphor him; yet
knew that he was worthier, better and far
more to be respected than the society fops
who had hitherto surrounded her.
On the other hand, he simply admired this
magnificent creature. That was ALL he
had cold -bloodedly formed plan. That plan
required the assistance Of the Lady Lydia.
He was himself again. self-possessed
knowing what he wanted, what were the
best methods by which to obtain it; and,
above all, thoroughly self-reliant
Lydia, on the contrary, seemed to have
lost her usual aplomb and keenness. She
realized that he was more than match fol
her. and that her will must submit to his
this time, at least.
With a sigh, she awaited his remarks.
$50 the Princess Natalie is your friendih
asked no, boldly opening the battle.
ayes, my dearest friend" she answered
halfsadly, her large, thoughtful eyes, al
the time, quietly observing the effect Of her
words.
"Poor Natalushkal She lost her brother,
recently, and has never quite recovered
from the blow. Hers is strong, Affection
ate nature that, loving once, loves for
ever"
Lydia could see the CLEAN in hor com
panions eyes as she said this.
"She Ia spending her summer here, but
leaves soon for Lake Maggiore, where hei
family is staying. II was there her brother
was killed. For that reason, she greatly
dislilkes tho place. Her stay there Is always
short She lives very quietly here and
avoids society. She came tonight, solely Il
crafty tho Marquis and hi1 wife"
"But,n said she, suddenly, observing how
eagerly he was listening, and thinking that
he had forgotten himself 'if you don't know
her. why were you so disturbed at her sud
den appearance on the stairsm
FHirfaE was on his guard in an instant
"Ohln replied he, with q cleverly-uttercd
sigh and quito truthfullY and naturally,
'oply because she reminded me Of a recent
little incident in my carecr.n
SIS that incident secretln inquired she,
archly.
~ think II scarcely worth while relating"
answered he, with faint smile.
'Well,n said Lydia, shrewdly dropping
the subject, ''to return TO Natalie, one effect
OF her brothers. death upon her is that she
shuns not only society but, in every way,
mems society-esp that Of young
mon. Suitors there would, but may not be
for she refuses not only to speak with
them, but even TO see themn
The willy speaker observed Fairfax close.
ly during these words, but the face Of that
individual was as immovable as that Of O
statue.
"Comen said he, "let us go back"
The same waltz was still in progress In
the ballroom. The same enhancing
strains enticed the nimble dancers to per
form feats of grace and Skill but Fairfax
was no longer the same. He waited me
chemically
Lydia perceived the changs and felt
piqued at II, but was moro annoyed with her
self for allowing such an interest in an UNI
known American, so far below her in rank.
Presently she said;
"Let us stop and go into the hall"
There she found her chaperon, who re-
minded her Of the late hour.
Turning unexpectedly to Fairfax and
looking him full IN the face with her mar
velous eyes, she held out her hand with the
sweetest Of smiles and said, in q manner
that ought TO have melted the most frigid
heart:
"Mr. Fairfax, am very glad to have met
you, and hope that We may meet again.
VIII you not call upon US, here, with your
friendl And, should you come near us in
England, trust you viii look US upn
Fairfax, in a stiff, pre-occupied way,
bowed assent and thanks.